Protective padding on common impact areas will guard your body in a crash. Impact protectors mould closely with a snug fit while also allowing manoeuvrability.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
IMPACT PROTECTORS
IMPACT PROTECTORS OVERVIEW
What to look out for when buying impact protectors.
01
OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
02
PRIME LOCATION
03
SNUG FIT
04
BUYING SEPARATELY
01 - OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
Choose quality, lightweight materials
Good impact protectors should not affect your riding style or manoeuvrability. The best designs are also flexible so they can be moulded to fit the rider.
02 - PRIME LOCATION
Cover common impact areas
Rigorous studies show the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips are areas most likely to be impacted during a crash. When buying gear, ensure it has impact protectors to guard these areas. Choose gloves with protectors positioned over the knuckles and wrists to further prevent injury.
03 - SNUG FIT
Choose styles that fit
Protectors must remain in place to be effective during a crash. When shopping for gear, try it on with impact protectors fitted. They should be positioned snugly over your shoulders, elbows, knees and hips.
04 - BUYING SEPARATELY
Protectors are not always included
If you’re buying gear without impact protectors fitted, make sure you look for pockets where they can be inserted later. Gear with pockets may come with foam fillers which don’t offer the same protection as impact protectors. If you get gear with foam in the pockets, replace it with impact protectors marked EN 1621.
BUYING GUIDE
Impact protectors are on guard to protect your body in a crash. Look for protectors marked EN 1621. They must fit snugly, and allow freedom of movement.
01 - Lightweight materials
Choose designs that are light and allow for manoeuvrability. Good protectors are flexible and won’t affect your riding style.
02 - Close fit
Protectors must remain in place. Try on gear with impact protectors fitted. Ensure they fit snugly and you can move freely.
03 - Correct coverage
The shoulders, elbows, knees and hips are most likely to be impacted during a crash. Ensure your gear has impact protectors to guard these areas.
04 - Helping hand
Consider gloves with built-in protection. Choose designs which have impact protectors positioned over the knuckles and wrists to prevent injury.
05 - Added protection
Not all gear comes with impact protectors pre-fitted. If you choose gear without protectors, ensure you look for designs that have pockets to fit protectors after purchase.
06 - Replace foam
Foam fillers don’t offer the same protection as impact protectors. If you get gear with foam in the pockets, replace it with impact protectors marked EN 1621.
Protectors VS No Protectors
Your gear is your body’s guard in a crash. Your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are most likely to be impacted during a collision. MotoCAP rated gear with impact protectors distribute impact forces, helping to reduce injury. Visit motocap.com.au to pick the right gear to protect you on your ride.
TYPES OF IMPACT PROTECTORS
Most retailers sell Impact protectors or body armour separately. If your gear doesn’t come with impact protectors pre-fitted, look for gear that has pockets to fit protectors after purchase. Find impact protectors to fit with your gear using our list of Victorian stockists.
BUYING SECOND HAND
Buying second hand can be a good option for the budget conscious rider wanting the safest gear. When shopping for second hand gear, use the information below check the safety features to look out for and search the safest options for jackets, pants and gloves.
01 - Test the fit
Try the gear on with clothing you normally wear while riding. Check that it is snug and comfortable in your normal riding position.
02 - Impact protectors
Impact protectors must remain securely in place to work effectively. Check your protectors fit with the gear, especially over your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
03 - Seams and stitching
Make sure there’s no splits at the seams. They should have two or three lines of stitching to prevent seams bursting on impact.
04 - Shop local
Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are good places to snag bargain second hand gear. Use their filters to search locally. Always try the gear on before you buy.
FIND A STOCKIST
We’ve compiled a list of Victorian motorcycle retailers where you can buy the latest and safest gear. If you decide to buy gear online, it’s a good idea to shop around and find gear that fits you best first. Most online retailers have physical stores and the larger retailers offer all popular motorcycle gear brands.
